Our natural response to distressing emotions is to fight against the reality that we think caused them. In doing so, this might cause feelings of resentment. “Turning the mind” is a DBT skill that involves choosing radical acceptance over resisting or rejecting the reality of life. We can’t always change our circumstances, but the more we practice turning the mind, the easier it will be to stop resisting what we cannot change.
The DBT Turning The Mind Worksheet features a two-page activity in which clients can become more aware of instances where they’re dismissing reality and make a plan to shift their thoughts toward acceptance. The activity also instructs them to write positive affirmations that encourage them to accept reality as it is. Page two is a Turning The Mind Pledge, which is an activity that allows clients to compassionately commit to turning the mind throughout the future.
When kids and teens get to the part where they need to describe a plan to stay committed to accepting reality, you can offer ideas, such as self-soothing and relaxation exercises. Our DBT Turning The Mind handout can be a helpful visual aid to include with these worksheets.
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References:
- Bliesner, A. E. (2010). Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance: A Review of the Literature. Pacific University. http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/152/
- McKay, M., & West, A. (2016). Emotion efficacy therapy: A brief, exposure-based treatment for emotion regulation integrating ACT and DBT. New Harbinger Publications.
- Linehan, M. M. (2014). DBT skills training handouts and worksheets. Guilford Publications.
